Triumphal March under the Southern Cross
One of the highlights of our Sydney stay was the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour- Verdi's Aida that was played outside in the tip of the Botanical Gardens with a view of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera. It was the most memorable experience we ever had, despite the cold weather.
Every year, in March/April period, Sydney Opera puts up an elaborate production of a famous opera that is preformed out in the open, come rain or shine (unless it is a bad storm). In 2015 it was Verdi's Aida, in 2016 it was Puccini's Turandot, and in 2017 it will be Bizet's Carmen. Even if you are not an opera fan, this is worth it, as you will never experience anything like it. If you are an opera fan, you should not miss this. The tickets range from $50-$250, and you can buy them online, although will have to print them out first (thank you hotel concierge). The buses that take you to/from the event are well organized and the whole experience is very pleasant.
If you get there early enough you can enjoy some bubbly and a wonderful view of the Sydney Harbor. As it got colder, we switched to tea and hot chocolate. The highlight was the end of Act I, when Radames returns triumphantly from Egypt accompanied by the Triumphal March, and in this case, fireworks over the bay, with the stars and Southern Cross above us. Very few things can top that experience.